Thompson, though, hasn't been particularly on his game in 2018, failing to win a single ATP Tour match after climbing to 63rd in the world last season.

But he can see light at the end of the tunnel after venturing to the quarter-finals of a grass-court event in Yorkshire, where he lost to the eventual champion, then showing further signs of life in another Challenger last week in Turkey.

The 24-year-old knows on his day he can compete with the world's best, as evidenced by his memorable victory over Murray at Queen's last year.

"That was pretty good form last year. That form is there. It's just a question of recapturing it," said the Sydneysider.

"It's been a little bit of a disappointing year so far - (losing) first round of the Australian Open, first round of the French, both five-setters," Thompson added.

"I haven't won too many of those matches, but better late than never."